MANILA, Philippines – Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino has passed away at the age of 76 due to cardio-respiratory arrest .

Mrs. Aquino has been diagnosed with colon cancer early in 2008 and has been confined at the Makati Medical Center for more than a month.

Mrs. Aquino, widow of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., will be remembered as an icon of democracy, having led a military-backed popular revolt in 1986 that ousted a dictator who ruled the country for 20 years.

I could hardly remember the real scenario and the empowering emotions of Filipinos during the people’s revolt in 1986 for I was only six years old when it happened. I certainly can’t recognize those personalities who contributed in claiming the country’s democracy. But one woman became known and distinct to me as I grew older. She was a very prayerful woman, humble, kindhearted, full of wisdom, and very dependable mother to her children and genuine friend to everyone.

We are mourning for her death for she has done so much in our country in reviving everyone’s dream to live freely. All these years, she continued her advocacy as an instrument of God. The whole nation has given her countless masses and prayers.
A woman of virtue. Fulfilled. That is Mrs. Corazon Aquino. Former President of the Philippines.